Tata Steel Masters: Gukesh shares lead, Pragg in hot pursuit

Wijk Aan Zee, January 25

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh scored a crushing victory over Alexander Donchenko in the 10th round of Tata Steel Masters here today.

This was Gukesh’s fifth victory overall in the tournament besides two losses as the Indian moved to 6.5 points out of a possible 10.

Uzbek Nodirbek Abdusattarov made sure Gukesh did not figure as the sole leader with a hard-earned victory over Max Warmerdam.

With three rounds remaining in the first super-tournament of the year, India’s R Praggnanandhaa and local star Anish Giri are closest to the two leaders with six points apiece while Vidit Gujrathi is in close pursuit on 5.5 points.

The day produced just three decisive games and both Gukesh and Abdusattarov won in contrasting fashion.